U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco Keynote Speaker At UOG’s Human Trafficking Forum

HAGATNA, GU -- United States Attorney ALICIA A.G. LIMTIACO, U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE University of Guam’s (UOG) “It’s Happening: Human Trafficking Forum with a Special Emphasis on Sex Trafficking on Guam and Micronesia,” held on May 10, 2013, at the UOG Class Lecture Hall. The Forum was organized by UOG’s School of Business & Public Administration Government Public Information Spring ’13 class. U.S. Attorney Limtiaco’s presentation included information about the Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking initiative.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office (“USAO”) for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (“NMI”) continues to work collaboratively with the National District Attorney’s Association; U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, Federal Ombudsman Office; and U.S. Department of State, Monitoring of Trafficking in Persons Office, on a Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking.

The Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking initiative employs a multidisciplinary model, including participation, coordination, and collaboration among law enforcement; prosecution; victim service providers; social services; medical, mental and public health professionals; faith based organizations; educational institutions; Consulates; and other community stakeholders. The response calls for the establishment and provision of victim services, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking, training opportunities, community outreach/ public awareness and prevention programs, and creation of human trafficking task forces and coalitions in the Pacific region island communities. The response provides training in human trafficking, including victimization, investigation and prosecution, prevention efforts, and other related topics. The critical training is provided to various groups in our Pacific region island communities, to law enforcement; prosecution; victim service providers; social services; medical, mental and public health professionals; faith based organizations; educational institutions; Consulates; and other community stakeholders.

The objective of the Forum was to promote awareness to the sensitive issue of Human Trafficking with a focus on Sex Trafficking with Micronesia. Key leaders were invited to convey their current and future actions in regards to Human Trafficking. The Form was in correlation and support of Law Week 2013 and the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Human Trafficking Forum included presentations from other community leaders in law enforcement, the Judiciary and non-governmental organizations and support groups. Attached are photos taken at the event.